If altitude-related signs persist in a deployed dog, what should you do?

• A. Increase workload to push through.
• B. Return to base immediately with no assessment.
• C. Seek veterinary advice for persistent signs.
• D. Ignore signs.

Answer: (C)

When altitude-related signs persist, the dog needs professional medical evaluation. Ongoing symptoms at altitude can indicate hypoxia or other altitude-related illness that may worsen without treatment. A veterinary assessment can determine if supplemental oxygen, rest, acclimatization, or evacuation is needed and can rule out other conditions that might present with similar signs. Acting on this guidance helps protect the dog’s welfare and supports a safe, effective mission.

Pushing through with more workload can aggravate the condition, returning to base without any assessment risks missing a treatable problem, and ignoring the signs can lead to serious harm or failure of the mission.